Alright, so for a while I was considering doing a list like my cohorts have been, but I much rather just focus on one topic right now and I'll address the other topics later.

On Friday I purchased NHL 09, but didn't get a chance to play it until Saturday. Now I may be biased because I'm a huge hockey fan, but this is the best sports game I have ever played.

The game play is incredibly realistic, being a former hockey player I can attest that it feels like you're actually playing...well with the exception that you're not sore the next day or winded after a shift. The be a pro mode is fantastic. NHL 09 is easily the most immersive game I've ever played. When you are in be-a-pro mode, you have to cover your section of the ice on defense and be in the needed place for offense as well. You also need to make on-the-fly line changes, and everything else like if you were actually playing a hockey game instead of just a video game. One of the most interesting things about this game are the visuals, as a player is about to hit the ice your camera stays fixed on them and get to see things from their perspective, also if you're on the bench you actually watch the game from the bench, or sometimes from the penalty box. As a life-long fan of the sport, and a former ice hockey player...yes, this is what a game looks like, feels like, and even sounds like. The sounds might actually be one of the most impressive things. The on ice chatter, the crowd and the other noises overall make this game feel like you are on the ice holding a stick in your hand.

Yesterday I woke up around 11am and played until 8pm, with only one thirty minute break. I know I'm already addicted to this game, but it is so fun. Another aspect that I love about this game is that the AI figures out what you're doing as the game goes on and adapts to your playing style. If you're screening the goalie, he'll start moving to look around you. The only downside I see at this moment is the fact that the shooting controls in the game are a little strange. For example, you have to aim (unless you turn on auto aim) with the same control stick that you use to skate. It takes a while to get used to, but it ends up not being a huge problem. Also if you just don't want to deal with that, NHL 09 also has NHL 94 control options which turns the shooting from a two control stick layout, to the simpler two button (one for wrist shots, one for slap shots).

I honestly haven't played all of the game modes yet, and I haven't played in the EA sports online league (which was one of the features I was excited about most). Although I think that might be a testament to how great this game is, the fact I can play for 10 hours and still not be bored with be-a-pro mode or just general game play to try other modes.

If I encounter problems I'll tell you all, but for now this game is a 5 out of 5. Hands down a fantastic game. If you even slightly like hockey buy this game, and if you don't...buy it anyway. You'll end up loving the sport.